Senior HVAC Specialist: UT Space Institute

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Full-time

Tullahoma, TN, USA

USD 55k-55k / year

Posted on Sep 12, 2026

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking an FS Trade Specialist IV specializing in HVAC to provide advanced skilled trade services for campus facilities, infrastructure, and physical plant operations. This position installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs building systems and equipment to support safe, reliable, and efficient campus operations.

The FS Trade Specialist IV HVAC performs complex trade work involving HVAC and related mechanical building systems. Working independently with limited supervision, the position applies technical expertise to diagnose non-routine issues, complete preventative maintenance and corrective repairs, and respond to service requests and emergencies. The position also supports facilities projects and may provide technical guidance or work direction to lower-level staff, vendors, or student employees.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking an FS Trade Specialist IV specializing in HVAC to provide advanced skilled trade services for campus facilities, infrastructure, and physical plant operations. This position installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs building systems and equipment to support safe, reliable, and efficient campus operations.

Required Qualifications

Education:

  • High school diploma or GED.

Experience:

  • Demonstrated experience performing skilled HVAC or related trade work involving facilities, infrastructure, or building systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of skilled trade methods, tools, materials, and safety practices.

  • Skill in diagnosing and repairing HVAC, mechanical, and related building systems and equipment.

  • Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, schematics, blueprints, and work orders.

  • Ability to work independently and apply technical judgment to non-routine assignments.

  • Ability to prioritize work, manage time effectively, and respond to emergency situations.

  • Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, vendors, and campus stakeholders.

  • Ability to follow safety procedures and comply with applicable codes and regulations.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Vocational or technical training in HVAC or a related trade discipline.

Experience:

  • Experience in facilities maintenance within a higher education, government, or industrial environment.

  • Experience working with complex building systems and preventative maintenance programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Advanced knowledge of HVAC system operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.

  • Skill in coordinating maintenance activities and supporting facilities projects.

Work Location

  • Location: University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, Tennessee

  • Work arrangement: Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: MR09

  • Anticipated hiring range: $55,000

  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the attachment listed below.

  • Resume

About Facilities and Infrastructure

Facilities and Infrastructure supports safe, reliable, and efficient campus operations at the University of Tennessee Space Institute through skilled trade services, preventative maintenance, corrective repairs, project support, and stewardship of campus buildings and physical plant systems.

About the University of Tennessee Space Institute

The University of Tennessee Space Institute is a vibrant research, education, and innovation center of excellence located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, adjacent to the Arnold Engineering Development Complex, the epicenter of U.S. aerospace ground testing. UTSI advances Tennessee’s leadership in aerospace and defense, supports critical workforce and technology needs, and contributes to the University’s land-grant mission through education, research, economic growth, and workforce development.

Facilities and HVAC Trade Services

  • Perform advanced skilled trade work involving the installation, maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of HVAC, mechanical, and related building systems and equipment.

  • Diagnose system issues and determine appropriate corrective actions to restore safe and efficient operation.

  • Perform preventative maintenance activities to improve reliability and efficiency of facilities systems.

  • Respond to service requests and emergency calls to restore critical building operations.

  • Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, technical manuals, and work orders to complete assigned work accurately.

  • Operate hand tools, power tools, and specialized trade equipment safely and effectively.

Coordination and Support

  • Coordinate work activities with other Facilities and Infrastructure staff to support campus operations, maintenance schedules, and projects.

  • Provide work direction, guidance, or technical assistance to lower-level staff, vendors, or student employees as needed.

  • Support facilities projects, renovations, and infrastructure improvements as assigned.

  • Communicate with supervisors, coworkers, and campus stakeholders regarding work status and facility needs.

Safety Compliance and Documentation

  • Perform work in compliance with applicable safety standards, building codes, and University policies.

  • Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used, and maintenance activities.

  • Follow established procedures for safety, equipment use, and emergency response.

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